Every Rose Has Its Thorn || ShojiNeta

18||A New Settlement

Yes, I know it's been a bit. Apologies.

Anyway, HOLY SHIT 9K READS AND OVER 450 VOTES?! AND THE PROLOGUE ALONE HAVING A WHOPPING 1K READS?! LITERALLY HOW??? Um ... THANK YOU!! To think that THIS of all things is my most successful fic-

Anyway, onto the chapter.

The next few weeks had been a blur for Mezo and Minoru.

Word had spread quickly (thanks to the press, much to the boys' dismay) about the attack that had happened. Their classmates found out that way and immediately wanted to check in on them. Especially Kaminari and Tokoyami.

Kaminari didn't waste a second the second he found out the news.

"I HEARD ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED!! ARE YOU TWO OKAY?!" Kaminari shouted into the phone the moment Minoru answered.

"Physically or mentally?" Minoru asked, sounding disheartened.

"Um, YES!!"

Minoru chuckled a little and Kaminari's response before answering. "Physically, we're both okay. Mentally? I feel really bad. Mezo doesn't deserve having to deal with my fucked up family. He didn't deserve to lose his mom, either. I can't help but feel guilty."

"Hey, it's not your fault, bro. You're dad's just an ass. I'm glad he's finally out of your hair," Kaminari responded, trying to sound as gentle as possible. "As for Shoji's mom, I'll be sure to tell him I'm sorry for his loss."

"I'm glad he's gone, too. But I wish she didn't have to go down with him," Minoru said.

"I know. I'm sorry." Kaminari decided to change the subject, knowing it must be hard for his friend to talk about. "So where are you staying now?"

"Mezo's neighbor. Apparently, she's a therapist. I feel like we could really use one."

"As long as you two are safe," Kaminari said. Then he smirked to himself. "Also ... first name basis, huh?~"

"KAMI!!" Minoru shouted, his face turning red. He cleared his throat a little. "Yes, we are on first name basis. But we're still friends!" He made sure to put emphasis on that last sentence.

"For now~" Kaminari teased.

Minoru couldn't even begin to describe the flustered sound he made.

Tokoyami had happened to call the same time as Kaminari.

"Hey, Tokoyami," Mezo said, answering his phone.

"I saw that there was an attack on the news. But there were some pieces of information that the reporters failed to cover. I may not know the full story, and I know it must be difficult for you to discuss, so I'm not going to ask. I would just like to make sure that you two are okay," Tokoyami explained.

Mezo gave a heavy hearted sigh. "Mentally, we're still recovering. And I'm currently grieving for my mom. She-" He paused to take a deep breath. He felt the lump forming in his throat and he wanted to force it down. "She didn't make it. She did not deserve this."

"My deepest condolences. I'm very sorry to hear that," Tokoyami said. "If there is anything you need, I am just a text or a phone call away."

"Thank you, Tokoyami," Mezo said.

"You're welcome," Tokoyami replied. "How's Mineta doing? He is with you right now, if I am not mistaken?"

"He's ... hanging in there. I can tell the experience has impacted him greatly. I can't say that I blame him," Mezo explained. Despite the current circumstances, a small smile formed. "But I can tell things are gonna start turning around for him, finally. He deserves a break."

"You care about him, don't you?"

Mezo could practically hear the smirk in Tokoyami's voice. His face started to heat up. "Minoru? Of course I do. He's a classmate, after all."

"First name basis, huh?~" Dark Shadow chimed in.

Mezo's blush deepened. "Y-Yeah... so what?"

"Did you finally get together?!" Dark Shadow asked.

"Contain yourself," Tokoyami scolded.

"They're fine," Mezo assured, his face still burning. "In answer to their question, no. We're not together. Just on first name basis."

"Do you looked him?" Dark Shadow asked.

"Dark Shadow!" Tokoyami scolded.

"Yes, actually. I do," Mezo admitted. He chuckled a little. "Who would have thought? I didn't get into UA with intention of getting a crush."

"Fate really does wonders, doesn't it?" Fumikage said. "I hope it works out. But if it does, and he hurts you, let me know immediately and I'll ensure he regrets it."

Mezo softly laughed at that. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Where are you staying now?"

"My neighbors' house. I've known them for years," Mezo explained.

"Good to know. As long as the both of you are safe."

"I have a feeling we finally will be. Fingers crossed."

"You have my prayers."

It didn't take long for Mezo and Minoru to settle into the Serapisuto household. They were in the guest bedroom, sharing the bed. Mezo was quick to settle in, being he already knew them. Minoru, on the other hand, took more time to settle and build trust. Mrs. Serapisuto was easier for him to trust. She always made sure they were doing okay. Before Minoru knew it, he felt like it was safe for him to open up about any mental scars he was dealing with. Mrs. Serapisuto was more than willing to listen and provide tips on dealing with them.

Mrs. Serapisuto's daughter, Massugu, was another story.

Minoru couldn't quite place it, but there was something about her that he just couldn't trust.

The yellow-haired, green-eyed girl was always well-behaved around her mother.

With Mezo, she was always kind and caring. They two had quickly reconnected and were talking like they had never drifted apart.

Of course, she was nice towards Minoru, too, but there was just this look in her eye that told him something was off.

I swear, that look in her eyes looks so familiar ... where have I seen it? Minoru pondered when she looked over at him once again with that look. That look that just felt like trouble. It's not homophobia. I'd know almost instantly if that were the case. I've dealt with that look plenty of times to know what it looks like. She's definitely accepting. Hell, we even talked about some of those hot celebs from movies and TV and stuff. 

So then  ... what is it?

Wasn't really sure how to end this chapter, but I at least wanted to give you guys something. Again, big thanks for all the support, and I will be seeing you guys in the next chapter!